Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Corgi With a Tail

Amusing, easygoing, powerful

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are well-mannered, tireless, and agile, medium-sized dogs. This short-legged protective breed is a bit reserved toward strangers, but does well with children and other pets. Sometimes known as Cardis, they make great companions for active singles, families, and those who enjoy the outdoors. These herding dogs may try to herd children and other animals when playing, and need a moderate daily walk or challenging play session.

Understanding their unique needs will help keep them healthy and create a strong bond between the two of you. Explore this page to learn more about the breed’s history, health concerns, characteristics, and care needs.

Ease of training

Affection toward owners

Friendliness toward strangers

Routine Care: Cardigan Welsh Corgis are smart dogs with lots of energy, so keep their mind and body active. With short legs and a long back, you must be mindful of how they move around furniture.

Grooming: Cardigan Welsh Corgis need a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year their coat blows and loses crazy amounts of hair; daily brushing is recommended during this time.

Dental: Cardigan Welsh Corgis generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week!

Ear Care: Clean ears weekly, even as a puppy. Don’t worry—your veterinarian can show you how!

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a big dog in a small package. They enjoy herding and agility activities as well as quality time with their family. Females may be significantly smaller than males.

Positive Traits:

Good with kids and other pets

Easily motivated and trainable

Devoted, loyal, and protective

Even-tempered; adapts to a wide variety of environments

Vigilant watchdog with a ready bark

Has a short, easy-to-care-for coat

Negative Traits:

Prone to boredom and separation anxiety when left alone and will find trouble

Willful and stubborn if you don’t show strong leadership

Needs a lot of activity and mental stimulation to avoid boredom vices

Has a tendency to herd, including small children

Sheds quite a bit

Standoffish toward strangers

Whether you are considering adding a new Cardigan Welsh Corgi to your family or you already have one as a companion, it is important for you to know about the genetically linked diseases known to occur more often in this breed. Of course not every Cardigan Welsh Corgi will have these problems, but research shows your pal is more at risk than other breeds.

By exploring the health concerns specific to the Cardigan Welsh Corgi you will become a knowledgeable and confident pet parent. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about breed risks every time you visit and educate yourself on the most important signs to watch for at home. They are counting on you to be their health expert.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi ("the Corgi with a tail") originated in Wales around 1200 BC. They were bred for guarding, managing cattle, and vermin hunting. Corgis are short and low to the ground to protect them from the kicks of cattle; the hoof of a cow would fly over their head. The Cardigan is an affectionate and active companion that excels in herding and agility competitions. They are a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-15 years. Like all dogs, they do have some health concerns to watch for such as spinal disk disease and bladder stones. Early detection is the key to a long and happy life, so be sure to schedule routine checkups.

Consult with a veterinarian if your Cardigan Welsh Corgi shows signs of the following:

Unwilling to jump, pain, hunched back, paralysis

Blinking, redness, pain or itchiness around the eyes

Cloudiness to eye lens

Squinting, watery eyes, bluing cornea, redness, enlarged eye

Increased blinking, extra tears and squinting

Painful eye, excessive tearing, eyes may appear asymmetric or cloudy

Dilated pupils in daylight, or increased "eye shine" at night

Bumping into objects, startles easily

Pain or straining to urinate, bloody urine

General reluctance to run or play

Dragging the hind toes and hind limb weakness

Unplanned pregnancy can be dangerous

Weakness and excessive clumsiness in the rear legs

Dull coat, hair loss, sluggish, weight gain

Easily startled, no reaction to unseen sounds

No symptoms progressing to weakness and gum color change

Care

Routine Care: Cardigan Welsh Corgis are smart dogs with lots of energy, so keep their mind and body active. With short legs and a long back, you must be mindful of how they move around furniture.

Grooming: Cardigan Welsh Corgis need a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year their coat blows and loses crazy amounts of hair; daily brushing is recommended during this time.

Dental: Cardigan Welsh Corgis generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week!

Ear Care: Clean ears weekly, even as a puppy. Don’t worry—your veterinarian can show you how!

Characteristics

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a big dog in a small package. They enjoy herding and agility activities as well as quality time with their family. Females may be significantly smaller than males.

Positive Traits:

Good with kids and other pets

Easily motivated and trainable

Devoted, loyal, and protective

Even-tempered; adapts to a wide variety of environments

Vigilant watchdog with a ready bark

Has a short, easy-to-care-for coat

Negative Traits:

Prone to boredom and separation anxiety when left alone and will find trouble

Willful and stubborn if you don’t show strong leadership

Needs a lot of activity and mental stimulation to avoid boredom vices

Has a tendency to herd, including small children

Sheds quite a bit

Standoffish toward strangers

Health Concerns

Whether you are considering adding a new Cardigan Welsh Corgi to your family or you already have one as a companion, it is important for you to know about the genetically linked diseases known to occur more often in this breed. Of course not every Cardigan Welsh Corgi will have these problems, but research shows your pal is more at risk than other breeds.

By exploring the health concerns specific to the Cardigan Welsh Corgi you will become a knowledgeable and confident pet parent. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about breed risks every time you visit and educate yourself on the most important signs to watch for at home. They are counting on you to be their health expert.

History

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi ("the Corgi with a tail") originated in Wales around 1200 BC. They were bred for guarding, managing cattle, and vermin hunting. Corgis are short and low to the ground to protect them from the kicks of cattle; the hoof of a cow would fly over their head. The Cardigan is an affectionate and active companion that excels in herding and agility competitions. They are a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-15 years. Like all dogs, they do have some health concerns to watch for such as spinal disk disease and bladder stones. Early detection is the key to a long and happy life, so be sure to schedule routine checkups.

Watch Out For

Consult with a veterinarian if your Cardigan Welsh Corgi shows signs of the following:

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